Rolling Stone UK’s 2025 summer festival guide
Plan a season of live music with Rolling Stone UK’s hand-picked selection of the finest festivals in the UK and Europe
By Dale Fox
Summer is nearly here, and that means it’s time to start planning everyone’s favourite season: festival. Whether you’re craving sun-soaked beats on a Mediterranean beach, iconic headline sets under British skies, or exploring emerging artists at intimate city festivals, we have you covered.
From underground electronic gems to legendary rock line-ups, we’ve curated a selection of the very best festivals happening across the UK and Europe in 2025. Here’s your essential guide to making this a summer to remember.
Wide Awake Festival
23 May – Brockwell Park, London
Fresh from winning Festival of the Year at the 2024 Rolling Stone UK Awards, Wide Awake is proving that you don’t need a massive site or endless stages to throw one of the best festivals in the country. Indeed, it’s become the go-to for fans of leftfield indie, post-punk, and underground electronic music. This one-dayer is all about discovery – whether that’s Kneecap’s riotous Irish rap, CMAT’s theatrical pop, or a mind-bending DJ set from Daniel Avery. Every act on the line-up has been picked with purpose, making it a festival where even the early slots can be career-defining.
Confirmed artists:
Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Peaches, Daniel Avery, Mannequin Pussy
Insider tip:
On your way in (or out), explore the charming businesses around Brockwell Park and support the local community – there’s everything from cafés to barbers.
Mallorca Live Festival
12–14 June – Calvià, Mallorca
If you’re looking for a festival that combines legendary music, unbeatable energy and a touch of Mallorca’s unique charm, look no further than this one. The largest cultural event in the Balearic Islands offers you the chance to experience global music icons alongside Mallorca’s rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re vibing to the iconic sounds of Iggy Pop, getting lost in Massive Attack’s audiovisual spectacular, or catching fresh talent on the immersive La Plaza Electronic Stage, Mallorca Live has you covered.
Confirmed artists:
Iggy Pop, Massive Attack, Suede, Bad Gyal, Ralphie Choo, Chloé Caillet, Tsha
Insider tip:
Don’t wait until the last minute – accommodations near the venue book up fast. Plus, with three-day pass and accommodation packages starting at €282, why wouldn’t you make it easy on yourself?
We Love Green
6–8 June – Paris, France
A festival that wears its name proudly, We Love Green is as much about the planet as it is about the music. Set in the leafy Bois de Vincennes, this Parisian weekender balances a forward-thinking line-up with a commitment to sustainability. Think solar-powered stages, zero-waste food stalls and eco-innovation talks between sets. But don’t be fooled by the wholesome ethos – this festival knows how to party. Expect high-energy headline sets, cutting-edge electronic acts and an effortlessly cool Parisian crowd. There’s also a packed programme of art, thought-provoking talks, and comedy from some of France’s sharpest minds.
Confirmed artists:
Charli XCX, LCD Soundsystem, Laylow, FKA twigs, Gesaffelstein
Insider tip:
Bring a tote bag for all the organic wine and gourmet street food (and maybe have an impromptu picnic with your bounty).
Meltdown Festival
12–22 June – Southbank Centre, London
For its 30th anniversary, Meltdown has handed the reins to none other than Little Simz, making her the youngest-ever curator of this legendary event. Known for pushing boundaries in hip-hop, soul and beyond, she’s set to bring her forward-thinking vision to the South Bank. While the line-up is still under wraps, expect a handpicked selection of cutting-edge artists, unexpected collaborations and performances that reflect her fearless approach to music. Meltdown is all about discovery, and with Simz in charge, you can guarantee that, in her own words, this year’s edition will be “epic”.
Download Festival
13–15 June – Donington Park, Leicestershire
Download is where rock and metal’s biggest names collide for three days of pure chaos. Confirmed artists include Green Day, Sleep Token, Korn, Weezer and Bullet for My Valentine. Donington Park is hallowed ground for headbangers, and the festival never fails to deliver iconic moments – whether it’s massive singalongs, fire-breathing stage productions, or anthems that hit like a freight train. Away from the carnage, the festival village is packed with legendary merch, alternative fashion stalls, and enough food options to fuel even the most dedicated mosh-pit warrior.
Glastonbury Festival
25–29 June – Worthy Farm, Somerset
No festival comes close to Glastonbury. It’s not just the sheer scale of it (with over 100 stages, countless hidden corners and 200,000 people, it’s easy to get lost for days) – it’s the magic. The biggest artists in the world dream of playing here, and this year that includes Neil Young finally making his debut at Worthy Farm, adding another historic moment to the Pyramid Stage’s legacy. But Glastonbury is more about those unplanned moments, whether it’s an unannounced set in a tiny tent, a sunrise party in the Stone Circle, or a 4am drag show in NYC Downlow. It’s a festival like no other. And if you’ve got a ticket, you already know you’re in for something special.
Confirmed artists:
The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii, Charli XCX, Raye, Noah Kahan, Rod Stewart
Insider tip:
You can try making a plan, but Glastonbury has other ideas. Say yes to random adventures, and don’t get too attached to seeing everything.
Montreux Jazz Festival
4–19 July – Montreux, Switzerland
There’s jazz, and then there’s Montreux. With the Swiss Alps behind you and Lake Geneva in front, this legendary festival offers one of the most spectacular backdrops in music. While jazz remains at its heart, the festival has welcomed icons from Prince to Radiohead over the years, making it a place for music lovers of all stripes. Away from the stages, the town buzzes with free gigs and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere. Line-up to be announced on 10 April.
Insider tip:
Many of the best moments happen off-stage – keep an eye out for impromptu jam sessions in the hotels and bars around town.
NOS Alive
10–12 July – Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for a festival with both top-tier headliners and a built-in city break, NOS Alive is hard to beat. Set just outside Lisbon, it’s a short train ride from golden beaches by day and huge performances by night. With its famously slick organisation and consistently stacked line-up, NOS Alive is among Europe’s best-run festivals. Plus, Portuguese food and wine beats soggy chips and a warm can any day. Head into Lisbon for a pastel de nata or a seafood feast before the music kicks off.
Confirmed artists:
Olivia Rodrigo, Kings of Leon, Nine Inch Nails, Sam Fender, St. Vincent
Insider tip:
NOS Alive’s location at Passeio Marítimo de Algés is just eight minutes from downtown Lisbon and 15 minutes from the beaches.
Exit Festival
10–13 July – Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
Once again, the 50,000-capacity festival will take place in the second-largest fortress in Europe, the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second city, where arts and culture reign supreme. Often called the “Gibraltar of the Danube,” the venue is a 17th-century stronghold, famous for its intricate network of underground tunnels and stunning views of the Danube River. Today, this 112-hectare site serves as a cultural hub and EXIT’s iconic home, as it celebrates its 25th year. While its stone walls were once used for defence purposes, today they help provide the crisp, resonant sound found throughout the festival site.
Confirmed artists:
Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Loreen, Hurts
Insider tip:
The mts Dance Arena is legendary – save your energy for sunrise sets that are utterly transcendent.
Mad Cool
10–13 July – Iberdrola Music, Madrid, Spain
Mad Cool Festival is Madrid’s answer to everything you want from a summer festival: unforgettable music, electric energy and an atmosphere that you can feel for miles around. Every year, it pulls off the perfect balance: huge headliners on massive stages and intimate sets in smaller spaces. As always, this year brings a diverse mix of artists – industrial pioneers Nine Inch Nails and rock icon Alanis Morissette alongside chart-dominating Olivia Rodrigo. And while the music is the star, Mad Cool never forgets its roots – expect incredible Spanish food, stunning art and a friendly crowd.
Confirmed artists:
Olivia Rodrigo, Kings of Leon, Nine Inch Nails, Alanis Morissette, Justice
Insider tip:
Plan your transport in advance. Madrid’s metro is reliable, but festival crowds can make it a (sweaty) squeeze.
Electric Castle
16–20 July – Bánffy Castle, Transylvania, Romania
Electric Castle returns to the historic Bánffy Castle in Transylvania for its 11th edition, offering a five-day fusion of electronic beats and live performances. The festival’s unique setting combines cutting-edge sound with the rich cultural heritage of the region. Attendees can expect a diverse line-up featuring both mainstream and underground artists, complemented by stunning visual productions and a strong sense of community. With multiple stages and the castle’s distinctive ambiance, Electric Castle provides an experience that is both innovative and unforgettable.
Confirmed artists:
Justin Timberlake, Queens of the Stone Age, Justice, Bicep presents Chroma AV/DJ set
Insider tip:
Book your camping spot early and pack layers – Transylvanian evenings can be surprisingly cool.
Truck Festival
24–27 July – Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire
Truck Festival has long outgrown its ‘little festival’ tag, but it still packs all the charm of its DIY beginnings, just with bigger bands and wilder crowds. Among the confirmed artists this year are Kasabian, Courteeners, Nothing But Thieves, Blossoms, The Last Dinner Party, and Bloc Party, who will play Silent Alarm in full – get to the main stage early for that moment. Truck proves every year why it’s one of the best weekends of the summer, whether that’s its indie icons, fresh talent, or just the legendary Oxfordshire farm vibes.
Insider tip:
Bloc Party are playing Silent Alarm in full – get to the main stage early if you want a prime spot for that moment.
Maiden Voyage Festival
9 August – Burgess Park, London
Small but mighty, Maiden Voyage is a one-day deep dive into the best of electronic, hip-hop and leftfield sounds. Forget overstuffed line-ups and endless stage clashes – this festival keeps things tight, with four expertly curated stages and a crowd that knows their music. It’s a day built for music heads, whether your scene is locking into a marathon techno set, catching forward-thinking rap and R&B, or discovering your new favourite DJ in the sun. Throw in top-tier street food, a scenic park setting, and a line-up that always punches above its weight, and you’ve got one of London’s slickest underground festivals.
Confirmed artists:
Azealia Banks, Amaarae, Ben Klock, Shanti Celeste, Or:la
Insider tip:
There’s a no re-entry policy, so make sure you’ve eaten, charged your phone, and stocked up on everything you need before heading through the gates.
Green Man Festival
14–17 August – Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
Many festivals promise escapism, but Green Man truly delivers it. In the rolling hills of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), this indie-leaning weekender is as much about the setting as it is about the line-up, which blends alternative icons with rising folk and psych acts. This year’s confirmed artists include Wet Leg, Kneecap, Underworld, and TV On The Radio. Music aside, there’s thought-provoking science talks in Einstein’s Garden, plus comedy, films, and late-night revelry at the Far Out stage. Families, festival veterans and first-timers all rub shoulders here, making it one of the summer’s most chilled-out weekends – and the final ritual burning of the Green Man effigy is magical.
Insider tip:
The Settler’s Pass turns Green Man into a week-long escape, where you can camp in the mountains, explore forests, and wind down around the Settlement bonfire.
Victorious Festival
22–24 August – Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth
The UK’s biggest metropolitan family-friendly festival is set on the picturesque Southsea Solent, one of the country’s most beautiful festival locations. Headlining this year is Grammy Award-winning Kings of Leon, Queens of the Stone Age, and Vampire Weekend for the band’s only UK festival show of the summer. Also joining 2025’s stacked line-up will be multi-talented singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, Madness, Nelly Furtado, The Last Dinner Party and Travis. A festival for everyone with some of the best-value tickets for festival goers, Victorious is hosting some of the best talent in the comedy world, too, including Joel Dommett and Ruby Wax.
Confirmed artists:
Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Kings of Leon, Michael Kiwanuka, Madness
Insider tip:
Head to the waterfront and enjoy the fan favourite Seaside Stage while the sun sets on the stunning Southsea Solent.
Reading & Leeds Festival
21–24 August – Reading (Richfield Avenue) & Leeds (Bramham Park)
Every year, Reading & Leeds deliver some of the biggest festival moments of the summer. Whether it’s mosh pits, massive singalongs, or viral chaos in the campsites, these twin festivals have it all. The 2025 lineup is stacked, with everything from rock and hip-hop heavyweights to breakthrough artists making their mark. You’ll get Travis Scott’s only European festival appearance, Chappell Roan’s exclusive English festival set, and a mix of icons and newcomers ready to tear up the main stages. With its legendary late-night parties and a crowd that never stops, there aren’t many better ways to spend a bank holiday.
Confirmed artists:
Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Scott, AJ Tracey, Becky Hill, Bloc Party, Enter Shikari, The Kooks, Amyl and The Sniffers
Insider tip:
The festivals have announced a huge overhaul of their camping for 2025, so head online and tailor the perfect experience for you.